Here is today’s update from Jeff Palmer, Arborjet’s Upper Midwest Regional Technical Manager and rider on this year’s Tour des Trees.
Back on the Road & Tree Dedications
After 110 miles on day one, most tour riders were looking forward to slightly shorter day in the saddle. The exception being the die-hard veterans who look at a hundred miles like I look at a walk in the park.
Today we rolled out of Little Harbor in Ruskin and headed back inland for a while before turning south to Parrish for the first of our two tree dedications. The local folks welcomed us warmly with snacks and beverages. The photo is an in-action shot of tour riders and citizens dedicating a newly planted sweetbay magnolia.
Gumbo Limbo & Spiraling Whitefly
After the dedication we mounted back up and headed for lunch at mile 54. We stopped at the Desoto Memorial, a historic area dedicated to early Spanish exploration where there lies a huge gumbo limbo tree which is diligently being preserved by park staff. As a matter of interest, Arborjet injection was accepted as the number one solution to eliminate spiraling whitefly which plagued gumbo limbo and other Florida trees a few years ago.
Miles, Mangroves, and Friends
After lunch, we wound our way through the tree lined streets of Bradenton, cycled through the mangroves, and headed for the beach. Twenty miles into a headwind lie our destination of Lido Beach. I had to take a photo break in a shaded spot…..just me and my bike. We held our final tree dedication of the day at Lido Beach resort where I met our old friend Pete Dunnington and his wife Kathy. Pete and his company generously sponsored our welcome reception. Thanks Pete! I’ll check in tomorrow as we head down the coast. Next stop Punta Gorda!